Ab-Anbar Gallery Hosts 200 Works by Iranian Artists in London Collective Show
The Ab-Anbar Gallery in London will present "A Present Tense: Contemporary Artists Living and Working in Iran," showcasing nearly 200 pieces by approximately 100 Iranian artists from September 19 to 26. This exhibition, organized in collaboration with 20 Iranian galleries, seeks to elevate the visibility of emerging artists within Iran's secluded art community. The initiative was conceived by Salman Matinfar, the founding director, and Orkideh Daroodi from Tehran's O Gallery, stemming from discussions held last year. Many artists participated based on trust, accepting the risks associated with shipping. Artwork prices range from £200 to £3000. Daroodi highlights this unique collaboration, rooted in shared wartime experiences, while Matinfar expresses hopes for the exhibition to tour New York, Paris, and Los Angeles, showcasing art's ability to unite.
Key facts
- Nearly 200 works by around 100 Iranian artists will be shown at Ab-Anbar Gallery in London.
- The exhibition, "A Present Tense: Contemporary Artists Living and Working in Iran," runs from 19 to 26 September.
- Around 20 Iranian galleries and art spaces have taken part in the initiative.
- Ab-Anbar founding director Salman Matinfar and O Gallery founder Orkideh Daroodi developed the show from conversations last year.
- Ab-Anbar offered its space and waived its commission; Matinfar opened the London venue in 2020 after closing his Tehran gallery.
- Prices range from around £200 to £3000 to make works accessible beyond select collectors.
- Shipping costs have been far higher than anticipated due to the volatile situation, despite selecting smaller works on paper, cardboard and textile.
- Matinfar hopes the exhibition will travel to New York, Paris and Los Angeles.
Entities
Artists
- Salman Matinfar
- Orkideh Daroodi
- Laleh Memaradestani
Institutions
- Ab-Anbar Gallery
- O Gallery
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Iran
- Tehran
- New York
- Paris
- Los Angeles